Miles won the Brit Award for best international breakthrough act in 1997.

Vannelli's statement continued: "I remember 1997 Brit Awards ceremony very well. Robert Miles was the best international newcomer award, introduced by Gary Barlow. Miles was the only one Italian artist winner in BA history.

Image copyrightPAImage caption
Miles received his Brit Award from Gary Barlow and Louise Redknapp

"Children is an instrumental and dance anthem, one of the most ever loved tracks. With Robert Miles a part of my life dies with him."

Miles was born Roberto Concina in Switzerland on 3 November 1969 to Italian parents.

'Thanks for the inspiration'

After finding mainstream success with Children, he had two further UK top 10 singles - Fable and One & One - and went on to release five albums.

Miles also launched a Balearic radio station Open Lab in 2012, which plays experimental music.

In a statement, the station said: "Robert was more than just an artist, he was a pioneer, a creator, an inspiration, a son, a father, our friend."

It added: "Throughout [his illness] he was strong, determined, incredibly brave and did everything he could to fight this horrendous disease."

Other figures in the dance music community to pay tribute included Darude, who tweeted: "RIP Robert Miles. Thank you for the inspiration, direction & courage!"

Armin van Buuren said: "Really in shock to hear the news of the passing of Robert Miles," while Chicane wrote: "I only played 'Children' 2 weeks ago on Sun:sets.... I wished I had written it."